TCL, the largest TV manufacturer in China, is facing scrutiny after a recent report suggested that certain models of its QLED TVs might not contain the quantum dot (QD) materials that are central to their marketing. This revelation, based on independent testing, has sparked controversy, as QLED technology is widely advertised as providing enhanced color reproduction and superior picture quality.

The Findings

The issue came to light through an analysis commissioned by Hansol Chemical, a company specializing in materials for displays, semiconductors, and secondary batteries. Hansol tasked global testing and certification agencies SGS and Intertek with testing several TCL QLED TV models, including the C755, C655, and C655 Pro, which are sold both in China and internationally. The tests revealed a startling result: the TVs contained no traces of indium or cadmium, both essential materials for quantum dot technology.

Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles, only a few nanometers in size, that modify the wavelength of light to produce brighter, more vibrant colors. The absence of indium and cadmium means that these TCL models likely do not include quantum dots, contradicting their advertised specifications.

TCL’s Response

TCL’s headquarters in China responded by stating that they use QD films provided by various suppliers, and while the amount of QD material may differ depending on the supplier, they insisted that cadmium is included in the process. The company has also provided its own analysis, reportedly conducted by SGS and Guangdong Region Advanced Material, one of their quantum dot film suppliers. According to this report, traces of cadmium were found in the QD films used in these TVs, and a spectrogram confirmed the presence of quantum dots.

However, the crucial difference between the two analyses lies in the testing method. Hansol’s report was based on tearing down actual TCL TVs, whereas TCL’s analysis focused on the QD films provided by its suppliers. This raises questions about whether faulty QD films might have been used during production, and if so, whether TCL’s quality control measures are sufficient to ensure that all of its TVs meet the advertised specifications.

The Implications for Consumers

The findings have caused concern among consumers, particularly in Korea, where the TVs in question are also sold. QLED TVs are marketed as premium products, with the promise of improved color reproduction and picture quality thanks to quantum dot technology. If these TVs do not actually contain QD materials, buyers may feel deceived, especially considering the premium price tag associated with QLED technology.

At present, consumers largely rely on manufacturers’ claims when making purchasing decisions, as there are no universal certifications or evaluations for quantum dot content. This situation underscores the need for better transparency and possibly regulatory oversight to ensure that consumers are getting what they pay for.

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Microsoft’s latest optional update for Windows 11 has caused controversy with its inclusion of prompts for users to back up their files on OneDrive, which some view as intrusive advertisements. The update, which brings the operating system to 22621.1485, includes “notifications for Microsoft accounts in the Start menu,” which Microsoft insists are not ads but useful prompts for features that integrate with Windows 11. However, the prompts have already sparked debate among users about what constitutes an ad.

The update is currently available to a small audience through the Windows 11 Settings app and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Assuming all goes well with the preview build, the update will roll out more broadly next month as part of Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday updates. Along with the controversial prompts, the update also includes several bug fixes and improvements, including a lighter search box on the taskbar when Windows is set to a custom color mode.

The inclusion of prompts to use OneDrive within the Start menu has divided opinions, with some users feeling that Microsoft is being too pushy in promoting its cloud storage service. Others argue that as the maker and maintainer of Windows 11, Microsoft has the right to promote services that it feels benefit users. The debate over what constitutes an ad is likely to continue, as Microsoft continues to integrate its services more deeply into Windows 11.

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Huawei has come under fire in its own country as members of the public rallied behind a former employee detained for eight months after demanding severance pay from the company. Weibo users expressed anger at Huawei’s treatment of the former employee, reversing some of the firm’s positive sentiment generated following its US blacklisting.

The case became public on November 30, when Li Hongyuan posted a message on the website of Huawei’s Xinsheng Community, titled “An Open Letter to President Ren”. The event prompted speculations on the Chinese internet over allegations that the employee could have been framed by his former managers, who were unhappy with the amount of compensation he demanded.

Last January, Li Hongyuan, a Huawei employee of 13 years, was arrested on extortion charges and detained until August, when he was released because of “unclear criminal facts and insufficient evidence”, according to the court documents posted online by Li.

Li Hongyuan joined Huawei in 2005 and worked for its inverter department. When his last employment contract expired on Dec. 31, 2013, Huawei refused to re-sign but offered compensation of CNY380,000 (USD54,000), twice his monthly salary multiplied by the number of years he spent at the company, as a severance payout.

EDITOR’S PICK: Foxconn reportedly receives an order for over 50 million Huawei 5G smartphones

In March 2018, the secretary of Li’s department transferred 304,742 yuan to him through a private account instead of a corporate one. Li claims that after further inquiry he learned that it was a standard procedure and that at least five of his former colleagues received their compensation in a similar way. However, it seems that the use of a private bank account raised suspicion about the nature of the transfer.

Therefore, Li Hongyuan began to sue Huawei for compensation for the year-end award. During the period, he also held several court trials. He also hoped to expand the influence through the media. As of October 2018, the outcome of the lawsuit was inconclusive and all parties were waiting for a resolution.

This is when things take a surprising turn for Li Hongyuan. On December 16, 2018, Li was detained by the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau on suspicion of extortion and was arrested on January 22, 2019. He was released on August 23, 2019, due to “unclear criminal facts and insufficient evidence”, having spent a total of 251 days in custody.

Huawei said it has the right and an obligation to report to judicial authorities of suspected illegal activities. “We respect the decisions. If Li believes his rights have been harmed, we support his use of legal measures to defend his rights, including suing Huawei. It also shows that all are equal under the law,” Huawei said in a statement on Sunday.

Global Times’ source, on condition of anonymity, revealed that Li is facing huge psychological pressure after he found himself at the epicenter of public attention. “In regards to my detention, my father was shocked and passed away, and my child was scared,” he added. “I hope I can take some of your time for a cup of coffee.” For now, they are unsure as to whether they will pursue legal action or not.

On Nov 25, the Shenzhen Longgang district people’s procuratorate decided to give state compensation to Li, awarding 79,300.94 yuan for personal liberty damage and 27,755 yuan for emotional damage, as well as sent a letter to Huawei and his father’s company to remove any stain to his reputation caused by the detainment.

The case sparked heated debate over the weekend. Some netizens raised concerns about whether there are significant flaws in Huawei’s management system. While some netizens argued that a telecoms empire like Huawei, with more than 100,000 employees, should have a more mature management mechanism.

UP NEXT: Huawei manages in making smartphones without American Parts

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